Reviews

Considering the fact that USF has different types of students from different areas, I feel strong to say that I will definitely learn a lot throughout ethnicity, religion, and culture.

I enjoy the climate of San Francisco,wearing the boots, coats, scarfs, and hats are so much fun! Including the activities USF has to offer for students, there are so many activities and clubs that are created and part of the campus. Knowing how involved of a person I am, I think I will enjoy my stay at USF.

USF offers a variety of scholarships offered at different values. One of the scholarships I am interested in is there music scholarship. I was told to wait for my letter or acceptance (or rejection) *hopefully, I get in* and what you do is mail in a package that has a CD of a recording of your voice singing at least 4 different language songs. You also need to include a head shot, so the staff can connect the voice to the face. Another thing you include is a letter of reference, en essay of how passionate you are for the arts and music, and lastely an arts resume-so the staff knows what type of a performer they will be working with.

As an interested student as well, I recommend going to as many meetings as possible. I recommend talking to as many students that attend USF to get there prospective and tour around the campus to become familiar with the route.

If you are the type of student who enjoys the cold climate and reaching out to the community through events and activities, then USF is the campus to consider applying to.

Academics wise, I feel as if I'm doing fairly well for a Biology major. The classes that I am currently taking are Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Rhetoric 130, and East Asian Civilization. In biology, we move fairly quick through our book, even if my professor likes to be more in-depth and takes his time explaining what is on his Powerpoint slides. What's great about our Biology department is that we print out the Powerpoint lectures and fill-in our notes as we go along. So far, my midterm for this class has been decent. If you really pay attention during lecture and take extra notes, keep up with the readings, along with studying (not cramming), you will do well. In chemistry, my professor also likes to take his time in teaching. I did well on midterm because I had AP Chemistry back in high school, so I have a decent understanding of the concepts that we have gone over so far. Again, paying attention, taking notes, doing the assigned online homework, and studying will serve you well. Biology and Chemistry labs will go by quickly if you know what you're doing (biology labs are about 3 hours and chemistry labs are about 4). My professor for my rhetoric class is doing a great job in easing my class into the assignments. Readings from our books are applied to the lessons in class and writing assignments (first they were reflection papers, and currently we are doing informative speeches). This class is a year-long one! My East Asian class is so interesting with my professor. Even though we read two chapters a week on our own, have Powerpoint lectures, viewpoint and response essays on our discussion boards, and a term paper, what I'm reading is intriguing. Overall, I'm loving what I'm learning because the workload is decent and manageable.

I LOVE IT HERE! My classes are only two minutes from my dorm. I have met great people on my floor, as well as those above and below, and in other dorms. For the most part, people are friendly and helpful, especially if you need help with studying for a midterm or test or quiz. When it comes to Glee, you KNOW there's a bunch of people down in your dorm lounge, ready to watch with you! There are so many activities to do. My RA does a great job of posting upcoming events that are on and around our campus (currently, there's a long list of concerts and performances at our school and around the SF area for the next 2-3 months!) I don't play volleyball anymore, but I'm on an intramural dodge-ball team, and I've been going to the gym, spin class, and Zumba almost every day! The location of the campus is perfect for going around the city. Haight is only a few blocks away and, if we don't want to walk, we can just take Muni. Market and Union Square is only a 15-20 minute bus ride. Pretty much, we're in a 20 minute radius of all the great locations in SF. Plus, the recent weather has been, for the most part, perfect! Oh, and if you go to church a lot (or don't), St. Ignatius is only a short distance away!

Even though our tuition is high, even with all the grants, scholarships, and financial aid, I'm getting what I'm paying for. My teachers have done a great job with making sure that we as students know that they're there to answer our questions and help us succeed. They always encourage us going to office hours or give us resources, such as tutoring sessions, The class sizes do pay off because not only do your professors tend to get to know you more, you have the ability to get more attention from them if you need it. The other stuff that we pay for, like our facilities and food and recreational equipment, are pretty well-kept.

From my experience at the moment, science majors have a lot of work cut out for them. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, especially if you have a great deal of interest in the sciences, but may or may not feel like you would do so well. Like I've said before, there's a great deal of resources on campus that can help you succeed.

If you've taken AP classes in high school, definitely send your scores right away because I've gotten credit for the ones that I've passed. If you get a 5, you can be eligible to move on to the next level of that course/subject. I've heard my friends at UC's who have complained that they still need to take the entry level classes even if they received 4's and 5's on the exams. USF definitely rewards its students.

USF has departments catered to Nursing, Law, and Business. Also, they have pre-professional programs. So, if you're interested in any of these, definitely consider USF!

Be well-rounded and involved, especially in what you have a passion for!

Start early! Try to apply for early action for private college and make sure you do your financial aid information ASAP. Don't be afraid to receive help from counselors and make sure you discuss every step you take with your parents. You need to keep them updated!

Anyone and everyone! USF is known for being a diverse campus. It's a smaller private school but the people they accept, domestic & international students, are great people to get to know. Also, if you love being in a big city, USF is a great location. You're in a great neighborhood and only blocks away from great places and restaurants.

Education is the first rung of the ladder which leads to success. It is not just an asset, but a prerequisite without which one cannot compete in the daily activities of life. I strongly believe that education is an integral part of ones life, for it provides one with knowledge which is imperative for human survival and existence.

Futhermore, when education blended within the folds of faith and humanity is extended to the learner, it creates a sense of equality and brother. I have been very much attracted towards activities which have an ethical and religious influence on me. I personally feel that by learning and gaining knowledge in a religious environment has many advantages. Besides increasing my academic skill, it will also enhance my religious insights.

The life that the University of San francisco extends to its students can assist me in incorporating good ethical changes in my lifestyle. I haven't visited the College, but I have started relishing the prospect of attending the College.

Apply as early as possible. Gather all documents months in advance to meet the deadline.

This College is great for students, who want to acquire an education in a religious environment, and also for those who wish to live in the beautiful City of San Francisco.

The University of San Francisco is a great place to learn and explore San Francisco at the same time. This University is extremely costly to attend so look at your financial aid first. Also, the dorms are not the best but you only have to spend the first year there.

If you are the typical 3.8+GPA student who has great extracurricular activities then you are in. This University doesn't look for Stanford test scores but they want to see people who are high achievers that want to succeed.

My classes were challenging but not to the point where a good study plan didn't help. As long as you are on top of your academics and studying, you will/can pass your classes with high marks.

The people in the dorms are great but you may find it hard to sleep some nights when the other people across the hall are being super noisy. However, you will make some great friends in the dorms so definitely don't take the camaraderie for granted.

It will do the job to feed you and keep you well-nourished but you will quickly get over the food.

It is SAN FRANCISCO! There is everything and anything you could want in this city. I am a DJ so I go around to all the clubs and embrace the music culture of SF. My friend is a marathon runner and is running a different marathon every month. The opportunities are endless.

I am paying A LOT of money to go hear but I think it is worth it considering the opportunities this University and the city provide.

Go greek at USF. Greek life is the best decision I made in terms of social life and philanthropy.

Great for students who want a good place to succeed all while looking for a liberal place to learn.

There are countless clubs at USF and they all have great leaders. If you want to get involved or want to be a leader on campus, go to the involvement fair and sign up for a club on campus.

I am a member of Pi Kappa Phi and I can say Greek Life on campus is the best at USF. I have made friends in all of the sororities and fraternities. We all support each other and it is like a family at USF.

Public Safety is always on the move at USF and they even offer a shuttle service for students to get home or back to campus safely at night.

The University of San Francisco can be summed up in a word: diverse. From the students who go there to the classes that are offered, there are hardly any days that are the same. USF is a school where you will be challenged to the very core of what you believe in and will have fun doing it.

If you are enrolled or are planning on going to USF, here are a few tips that I wish I had.

1) Expect it to be hard. USF is challenging and difficult: personally and academically. You have to be open to challenge from peers and professor because it will come. With difficulty, you have two options: close up and avoid it or take the challenge head on. My advice? Charge the bull. You probably sacrifice some nights of fun but you will get good grades on your report card (and that is where the personally hard part comes in.)

2) Have fun. Here in San Francisco, there are so many things to do. From concerts in the park (that are free, you know) to shopping at the famous Union Square, there is always something fun to do. San Francisco is famous for never being dull and you willl have some stories to tell. Not to mention, USF hold regular dances, comedy nights, movie nights, sporting events, and other cool things to take the edge off of studying.

3) Stay focused. Like every good thing, there is a catch. USF is a fun place to live. USF sponsored a Macklemore concert not too long ago, serves as the Blue Angels practice space, and is generally a fun place to be. San Francisco is full of great food, awesome sights, and interesting people. But, you are attending a university. I know it is tempting to go wild with freedom but train yourself to see the bigger picture: you are there to make a future for yourself. Remember that, and you will enjoy everything USF has to offer you.

Academic rigor? USF sure has a lot of that! At USF, classes are challenging, difficult, and well designed to stretch student ability In general, classes are inspired, interesting, diverse, and fulfilling. But that does not come easily. Superior marks at USF are very difficult to earn and do not go to those who passively wait for them.

At any one point, students are spending at least 25 hours hitting the books. That is about 5 hours a day in study. That is the norm here and do not expect it to be easy if you skimp.
Let me sum it up:

If you want to be challenged personally and academically, learn like you never learned before, be surrounded by students who have no problem debating with you, and want to have professor and faculty that will test you to the limits with no short cuts, USF is for you.

If you want to breeze through school, get an easy degree without really working for it, and not having a fulfilling college experience, USF is not for you.

Aw, the dorms at the University of San Francisco.

They have their great qualities and their areas of improvement.
Let us start with the good, shall we? Dorms at USF are fun, interesting, and full of great people with interesting and diverse backgrounds. You can share a room with someone from Norway or with someone from rural Montana.

Dorms are safe, secure, and have a very helpful front desk. There are full sized kitchens, pianos, pool tables, board games, video game systems, and other cool things to do while living at the dorms.
However, the dorm room itself varies. Most of the dorms are USF are about the size of your average bedroom and they are generously furnished with closets, desks, and beds. All in all, they are comfortable and enjoyable.

Now for the not so pretty side. Sometimes the dorms can be a little rowdy especially on weekends. No one ever said college was not going to be fun but at times, the dorms at USF can use a chill pill. In addition, two out of the three freshman dorms are not updated. The one that is updated has brand new bathrooms, dorm rooms, and brand new lounge areas. But the other two dorms have not.

Lastly, USF is a very small school. Do not go here if you expect to have privacy in the fullest degree. People know people through people. And you will learn how to choose your friends quickly and keep certain things to yourself lest you want to become subject to rumor.

All in all, USF dorm life gets a four out of five. Great fun and good vibes but they lose a star because of threatened sense of privacy and rowdiness.

USF offers students a decent cafeteria with many options. On the average day, you can have waffles for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and Kung Pow chicken for dinner.

USF has the main cafeteria in the University Center (which is at the center of the university; you guessed it!), one under the main Caf typically called the Under Caf and one smaller one on the secondary campus. The main Caf has the best options for students as it is the largest.

Sometimes, however, students find that they school provided meals could be improved and that it way too expensive. USF gives each student $2000 worth of pure food money and sometimes, students find themselves running out of it a month before the semester ends. Each meal averages to about $10. Simple math will tell us that that is not enough for a semester.

However, with budgeting and careful spending, the USF meal plan money should last you through the semester.

Sometimes, it is to be noted that the cafeteria sometimes seems to close too early. But, with planning, that should not be an issue for those of you who are savvy at staying fed.

Rating: Three out of five. While the food is expensive and the Cafeteria may have odd hours, the food is decently good, convenient, and well portioned.

All in all: Spend smart, stay fed.

What isn't there to do? You can go shopping at thrift stores about five minutes away on the Haight and Ashbury Strip, go for a sunny day stroll in Golden Gate park, go dining at one of San Francisco's many first tier restaurants, or go exploring Downtown San Francisco. The city has free concerts, community events, LGBT Pride Events, biking, marathons, shopping centers, clubs, and other things to do. Food here is spectacular. You can grab a bowl of authentic Vietnamese Pho or eat an awesome inexpensive burger that will give you a food coma.

San Francisco is a place for artists, activists, foodies, students, diversity, learning, and change.

Simply put: USF is expensive school. The reason why it is so expensive is because they only hire the best professors, have a great location, have up to date and advanced facilities, and is, in general, a great school. So, you get for what you pay for. You pay for a free bus pass, a brand new gym which is free to students, awesome classes, and awesome staff that care about your future. Every penny is spent well.

USF, being Jesuit, has a giant church that happens to be the largest on the West Coast. It is absolutely gorgeous. You would have to see it to get the immensity of it. And to add, the only people that are allowed to marry in that church are students who graduated from the university and faculty.

USF also has its secondary campus called Lone Mountain. Lone Mountain used to serve the main campus back when USF was a woman only school. It also happens to be the second oldest university building in California. Oh, and it is not called Lone Mountain for just any reason. It sits on the highest point in San Francisco, hence it's name, which also makes it the safest place to be during an earthquake or flood. That is just a bonus.

It's great for students who want to be challenged, exposed to many different people, and who want to have an odd mix of hard schooling with hard fun.

You will meet gay people, Chinese people, people from England, people from all over the world basically. And you will get a world class education in a world class city. So, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, you will love USF.

It's great for student's who just can't get enough of school and just love to get wild when homework is done.

There are many clubs here at USF. From the African American Student Union to the Queer Alliance, you will find your niche here at USF. And if not, you can always make your own club.

In addition, activities at USF are always on. Baking cookies for charity, taking a retreat, hiking, going on a tour of Alcatraz, and concerts are just the start of the fun here at USF. Seriously, there is hardly a week something is not going on.

Not much of a Greek life at USF. There are about five societies that I know of that range from business to leadership in the community but they have no houses or special areas. Therefore, USF Greek life is not the strongest.

USF is a safe place. It rests right between the two most secure neighborhoods in San Francisco, has a 24 hour security task force called Public Safety, there is someone on duty all day, every day, and their response if quick. Public Safety Patrols the halls of every dorm at least twice a day and they will not hesitate to stop someone suspicious.

In general, there is nothing to be afraid of when attending USF. Public Safety is a call away and everyone at USF is safety conscious

I actually applied to the University of San Francisco last minute. It was a choice that always lingered in my brain, but I never thought I would go that far from home. Without touring the school or talking to anyone from the school, I chose this school and I think it is the best decision I could have made.

The school, like the city is very hilly so be able to handle walking up-hill and downhill. Always take advantage of available resources if you ever need help or advice or tutoring there are many resources available for your needs. Like cooler weather because San Francisco is in the sixties year-round just about. Also, you do not have to be religious or be catholic like the school is. Religion is faintly present in classrooms and in the school in my opinion. There's a big school church, but besides that it feels like a normal school, so don't let the religious school label obstruct you from attending.

My classes were very intriguing and I felt that I expanded my knowledge a lot in classes. All the assignments caused me to think and actually do work. In high school, I got by without studying or doing anything because I was that smart. Now, in college I study a lot, spend hours on homework, and am actually challenged like I should be. But, I would say the assignments are more time consuming than they are difficult. The only class where the assignments were a little scary was my ancient philosophy class of course but I even got B+s in that class.

I think every freshman should live on campus their first year. The only thing I dislike about the dorms I was in, Gilson, is that they need to be renovated soon, and the community showers/bathrooms. Besides that, I love living on campus. I met most of my good friends in the dorms whether it was on the floor, in dorm activities that occurred, or in the elevator. Also, it gives you the chance to better connect with the school and the campus since you are already there. I have been able to go to office hours and activities more because I live on campus. I also have attended cool events the dorms do, like a Princess Diaries tour and a rap contest. Yes there will probably be some loud people on your floor, but they are respectable and the dorm has quiet hours after a certain time and 24-hour quiet time during finals. I love on-campus living.

We don't have a McDonald's or Panda Express or anything in our cafeteria like our schools. It's kind of sad, but I would get fat if we did so I guess it's good we don't. The school, like the city, is health-conscious. The cafeteria has a contract with this food company so they make our food and run the cafeteria. There are different booths for different appetites you may be having. An american food section, special section, mexican food section, italian food section, vegan section, salad section, a pastry/coffee section, a little market section, and a asian food section. We also have another cafeteria in the University Center called the undercafe, the floor under the cafeteria with a lounge and the bookstore and a market/grill which is open when the cafeteria closes for those late night study people or owls. They sell a lot of healthy stuff, but also a lot of other food so I guess you can say it's pretty balanced. But, besides cafeteria food to use your meal plan, it is really cool because you can use your meal plan for non-food the school market sells! That is how I get washing powder, dish liquid, toothpaste, shower gel, etc. Then, you can't forget about the amazing food off-campus all over San Francisco.

The campus usually has really cool events for students, but the campus life is not big like at other schools. Everyone goes off campus for parties and other events. It is San Francisco, there is always something to do for fun, just step out of your door: Movies in the park, shopping, the beach, sight-seeing, open mic, coffee houses, restaurants, Haight Ashbury (my favorite), Alcatraz prison, festivals every weekend, neighborhood concerts all the time, downtown events, and much more! Always free fun events too :)

It is expensive to attend USF. For me, I spend zero dollars to go here because I am a Gates Millennium Scholar and got a few other scholarships. However, invest in your education. Invest in a school that is worth it. USF may be expensive, but tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. And, you really get the most bang for your buck. You get to attend games free, we have a yearly concert that only costs us ten bucks. We have access to a high-quality gym, there are many activities, field trips in some classes, resources there for you, small classes, highly-qualified teachers, a clean and safe campus, and much more.

I am still in my first year at USF, so I do not know any unusual traditions or locations on campus yet. But, I can name the most talked about location, which is Lone Mountain. Ask any student at USF about Lone Mountain and they will know exactly what you are talking about. Lone Mountain is a part of campus across the street where some classes take place. It's probably four flights of stairs to the top of the campus, because it us up on a huge hill. The view from the top of the stairs at the campus is beautiful though and everyone always takes pictures from up there.

USF is great for any student. There is something for everyone and for every type of student. The school is diverse, there are many clubs to represent different races and cultures and different personalities and interests. It is perfect for healthy people who eat right and love to exercise also I've noticed. But, I am not that person and the school is still great for me.

There are clubs and activies for all different cultures and all different personalities. There is poetry club, culture clubs, dancing clubs, spirit clubs, club and intramural clubs, gaming clubs, and much more.

The Greek Life is not large like it is at other schools, but it is still present on campus. I am not in a sorority, but one of my roommates is and she tells me all about it. They still had to do the rush week I think it's called and they still had to be accepted into the sorority/fraternity. They still have fees and activities. They just don't have housing. Although small at USF, it still gives you connections, the Greek Life label, and everything else any other school's Greek life can give you.

I feel so safe at campus. I have seen no incidents occur. They have the campus cops patrol at night and they check our dorms and make sure there is no foul play or anything. Also, a resource I know about but haven't used yet is if you are not too far from the school and you don't feel safe to walk home there is a number you can call at the school and an escort will pick you up and get you back to the school. It is 24-hours. They care about safety at the school. There are many numbers we can call to maintain our well-being and to stay safe.

The education here is excellent. The advisers are always there to help you when you choose and register for classes. They help you graduate in four years, they provide you with many internships and they help you get into graduate schools.

University of San Francisco is cool because it is located in the heart of San Francisco. I love the atmosphere of the school and it enables you to create your own education preference.

The university provide a good financial aid. They have numerous scholarships sources and they are always there when you have money problems

Not only do you learn from the professors, but the city also acts as a teacher in any subject. You are interacting with your environment, and learning about life.

It's not too big, but not too small. Classes are comfortable; not 300 student auditoriums.

Though expensive, definitely worth it. Even more so than the school is the expenses of living in San Francisco, which one has to take into account.

Save up as much as you because because you will spend more than you budget for. Bring walking shoes and lose your nerves because anything is possible here is you are willing to go out and make it happen.

free spirits.

this is such a wonderful school. I so much would like to attend as a Nursing student. I am working with all my heart to be accepted here. This is at the very top of my list.

USF is a beautiful school located in one of the coolest cities in the U.S. The classes are fun, the community on campus is lively and engaging, and the friends you meet are definitely the ones who will be in your life for a long time. I've really enjoyed my experience at school, and in the city surrounding it.

Your college experience is what you make of it, choose the place that you feel called to and go for it. No matter where you end up, you can choose to make it an awesome 4 years.

I'm in the nursing program which is hard work, but you can definitely see the results.

I loved the community I have had in the dorms. Some of my closest friends are the ones I made freshman year on my floor. I definitely recommend living in the dorms for at least your first 2 years.

The cafeteria food is really good compared to other schools, and they are trying to be health conscious. I definitely miss home-cooked meals though!

Explore the city!! There are so many things to do in San Francisco, you almost can't squeeze it into your 4 years at school. Go to the multiple farmer's markets, go on a hike along the coast, visit the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, or Twin Peaks, check out Chestnut Street. The list can go on and on.